Discover, learn, and collect: antiques and jewellery secrets revealed.

Gentle Cleaning for Everyday Sparkle

Regular care can make your jewellery and silver look new for years. Use a soft cloth to wipe away oils and dirt, and a gentle soap with warm water for pieces that need a deeper clean. Avoid harsh chemicals, which can damage metals and stones.

Safe Storage

Store items separately in soft pouches or lined boxes to prevent scratches and tangling. For silver, consider anti-tarnish strips or cloths to maintain its shine longer.

Professional Care

For antique or delicate pieces, periodic professional cleaning ensures they are safely maintained without risk of damage. This is especially important for intricate settings, pearls, and fragile vintage pieces.

Hallmarks are one of the most reliable ways to identify genuine gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in the UK. They tell you where an item was tested, what it’s made of, and often when it was created—making them essential for collectors and buyers of antique or vintage jewellery.

What Is a Hallmark?

A hallmark is an official stamp applied by a UK Assay Office after testing an item to confirm its metal purity. This independent verification protects buyers and ensures that precious metal items are genuinely what they claim to be.

The Four UK Assay Offices

Every UK hallmark includes a symbol identifying which Assay Office tested the item:

• London – The Leopard’s Head
• Birmingham – The Anchor
• Sheffield – The Rose (formerly the Crown)
• Edinburgh – The Castle

These essential symbols instantly reveal where the piece passed assay testing, and they help collectors trace a jewellery item’s history.

Metal Purity Marks

A hallmark always includes a fineness mark showing the precious metal content:

• Gold: 375, 585, 750, 916, 999
• Silver: 800, 925, 958, 999
• Platinum: 850, 900, 950, 999
• Palladium: 500, 950

This number is one of the most important parts of the hallmark, confirming the true purity of the metal.

Date Letters

Many UK hallmarks include a letter identifying the year the item was assayed. The font, style, and shape of the letter vary each year, helping experts date jewellery very accurately—especially Georgian, Victorian, and early 20th-century pieces.

Why Hallmarks Matter

Whether you’re collecting, selling, or simply enjoying your jewellery, hallmarks provide clarity, assurance, and history. Knowing how to read them helps you understand exactly what you own—and ensures you’re getting fair value when buying or selling precious metals.

Old English Hallmarks & 15-Carat Gold

Fifteen-carat gold (15ct / 625) was produced mainly between 1854–1932 and appears on many Victorian and early Edwardian pieces. Marked as “15”, “15ct” or sometimes as “625”, it contains 62.5% pure gold. Because 15ct is no longer produced, genuine pieces are sought after and often more desirable than later lower-carat jewellery. A small hallmark—yet one that adds both history and value.

Getting the perfect fit for your ring can be tricky, especially when buying online or ordering a gift. Using a reliable ring size chart ensures your jewellery fits comfortably and looks great, saving you from resizing headaches.

Understanding Ring Sizes

Ring sizes differ around the world. UK, US, European, and Japanese systems all have their own numbering, which can be confusing. Here’s a simple conversion table:

Ring Size Chart

Use this chart to quickly find your ring size across different systems:

Ring Size Chart

Use this chart to quickly find your ring size across different systems:

How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

• String or Paper Method: Wrap a string or paper strip around your finger, mark the meeting point, measure, and compare to the chart.
• Use a Ring You Already Own: Measure the inside diameter of a ring that fits well.
• Printable Ring Sizer: Print a trusted ring sizer and check your finger or existing ring against it.

Tips for Accurate Measurement

• Measure at the end of the day when fingers are slightly larger.
• Consider temperature: cold fingers = smaller, warm fingers = larger.
• Wider rings may need a slightly larger size for comfort.

FAQs

Can my ring size change over time? Yes, factors like weight changes, pregnancy, and age can affect finger size.

What if a ring doesn’t fit? Many rings can be resized by a jeweller, but it’s best to measure first.

Can online ring sizers be trusted? If printed at 100% scale and used carefully, yes.

Conclusion

Using a reliable ring size chart is the key to getting a perfect fit. Accurate measurement ensures comfort, avoids resizing issues, and guarantees your jewellery looks perfect every time.

Red Carpet Glamour

Bold statement necklaces, chandelier earrings, and sparkling rings dominate the red carpet. Think of the classic Oscars or Met Gala looks. To recreate these, choose one standout piece and keep the rest of your accessories minimal.

Necklace Statement: Pair a bold necklace with a simple neckline.

Chandelier Earrings: Go for long, elegant earrings with a classic outfit.

Street Style Inspiration

Casual celebrity outfits often feature layered bracelets, stacking rings, and delicate necklaces. Layering adds dimension and personality without overwhelming your look.

Stacked Rings: Mix metals and textures for a chic street style vibe.

Layered Necklaces: Combine different lengths and pendants for a personalized style.

Redefining Minimalism

Some celebrities opt for minimalist elegance: a single diamond stud, a delicate chain, or a slim bangle. These looks are easy to copy and perfect for everyday wear.

Minimal Earrings: Simple studs or hoops elevate a casual outfit.

Delicate Bangle: A slim bangle adds sophistication without overdoing it.

Tips for Copying Celebrity Looks

• Pick one standout piece per outfit.
• Mix high-end and accessible jewellery.
• Balance bold pieces with minimal accessories.
• Consider your neckline, sleeves, and hairstyle when choosing jewellery.